Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening!

On behalf of the Chinese Mission to the UN, I extend my warm congratulations on the opening at the UN Headquarters of the "Sound of Harmony Cultural Performance" in celebration of the 2012 UN Public Service Day, which is jointly sponsored by the UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs and China International Cultural Communication Center.

Today's performance is part of the award ceremony of the annual UN Public Service Day. In 2002, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 57/277, designating June 23 as UN Public Service Day. It is intended to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community and highlight the important contribution of public service in the process of development. It is of great significance. Over the past ten years, by awarding the public sectors and service institutions with outstanding contributions, the United Nations have promoted the role, professionalism and visibility of public service, encouraged more innovation from public servants and greatly improved the quality and effectiveness of public service.

China has all along highly valued and supported the UN Public Service Day event. We participated in all the previous annual celebrations. To honor this year's UN Public Service Day, artists from China have meticulously prepared the "Sound of Harmony Cultural Performance". Among the performers, there are not only renowned artists with top-notch artistic skills, but also performers who are handicapped in body but firm in spirit. The magnificent performance will showcase the charm of the traditional Chinese culture as well as the industriousness and tenacity of the Chinese people.

I wish to take this opportunity to wish the UN Public Service Day celebrations greater achievements and the "Sound of Harmony Cultural Performance" a complete success.

Thank you.